Frequently Asked Questions

How long before my cut outdoor fabric arrives?

Our cutting times vary depending on the season. Off season can take as little as the same day while peak season can, in extreme cases, take up to 5 working days. Orders can be expedited, but a RUSH fee may apply. Rush is available at our discretion and will not be offered depending on the state of production. You may email or call to check on your order, but due to the nature of our business, we may not be able to give an exact date for completion and shipping of your cut fabric.

What happens after I place my order?

After completing the checkout process, you will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. This confirmation will serve as your invoice. This is also to confirm that your order information is correct. If you do not receive the confirmation email after checkout, contact us as soon as possible to confirm your order. If you have any questions or problems, just email our customer service desk or call us. We will be glad to assist you.

HELP! I just placed my order and I need to make a change or cancel my order.

Relax. If you just placed your order and notice an error on your part, or ours, please let us know IMMEDIATELY by using our contact form and we can easily correct it for you. If you let us know within a few hours of order placement we can correct virtually all problems with an order. Beyond that, we cannot guarantee your changes will not incur extra costs if the outdoor fabric you ordered has already been cut. Once your fabric is cut, we can not make changes.

Is it safe to use my credit card for online purchases?

Yes, it's extremely safe. At Outdoor Fabric Source, we provide a secured checkout with Secure Socket Layering (SSL, up to 256 bits) for processing your payments online. Add items to your cart and click Secure Checkout to make your payment using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Due to popular demand, you can also use this method to pay using your Paypal account. Payments will be billed as "OCG LLC" on your credit card statement.

When will my credit card be charged?

Due to all orders being custom cut outdoor fabric to your specifications, we will charge your credit card within 24 hours after you place your order. Online orders are immediately charged to your credit card, Paypal account, Google Checkout account, or eLayaway account.

Why solution dyed acrylic fabric?

Outdoor Fabric Source, LLC sells Sunbrella® solution-dyed acrylic fabrics because they are designed for easy maintenance and many years of use outdoors...simply the best in the industry! Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of acrylic fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life. For this reason, acrylic fabric offers incredible resistance to stains, weather and wear in any application. Awning grade acrylic fabric carries a ten (10) year warranty against loss of color and strength. Furniture grade acrylic fabric carries a five (5) year warranty against loss of color and strength.

Is Sunbrella® fabric waterproof?

Sunbrella fabric is not waterproof; it is water repellent. This means that during the finishing process a water repellent finish is applied to the fabric. Normal wear and usage will reduce the effectiveness of this finish as will cleaning the fabric.

We suggest that after Sunbrella fabrics are cleaned and if they remain exposed to the elements constantly and water repellency is a factor that you retreat your Sunbrella fabrics with a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ which can be purchased at local awning and marine

Will Sunbrella® fabric mildew?

Sunbrella fabrics, if kept clean, will not mildew. An inherent characteristic of acrylic fiber is that it will not support the growth of mildew, as a natural fiber will. Mildew will and can grow on any surface that is dirty, so to keep your Sunbrella fabric from mildewing you must keep your fabric clean. If mildew growth becomes a problem please refer to our care and cleaning instructions.

Can I hose down Sunbrella® fabric?

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years. Remember after hosing down the fabric to allow the fabric to air dry.

Do your fabrics dry quickly?

Because Sunbrella fabrics are woven, they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure. It's also important to know that Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a flurocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish requires replenishment after vigorous cleaning.

In your cleaning instructions, you use the term "Mild" or "Natural Soap". What is "Mild" or "Natural" soap?

By "Natural Soap" we mean Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. These gentle soaps rinse out easily and will not diminish the water-repellent "finish" applied to the fabric. Regular laundry detergent will not harm the fabric, but the water-repellent "finish" will be removed sooner (laundry detergent does not affect the stain and UV resistance). BE SURE to use cold water and to air dry the fabric when using laundry detergent. In addition, after several cleanings you will need to retreat the fabric with a water repellent product, such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™.

Do Sunbrella® fabrics provide UV protection?

Sunbrella fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection from the harmful effects of the sun depending on depth of color. Whites and lighter colored fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth of color. This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.

How does Sunbrella® lock in color?

Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of Sunbrella fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life.